Henlopen Acres · History and events
Henlopen Acres, Delaware: history and events
History, lore, events and occasions in Henlopen Acres, Sussex County, Delaware: 9 questions answered from official and primary sources.
More about Henlopen Acres
Questions about history and events in Henlopen Acres
History and lore
When was Henlopen Acres incorporated?
Henlopen Acres was incorporated in 1970, its only incorporation. The charter's territorial limits match the 1930 deed. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
Who developed Henlopen Acres?
In 1930 W. S. Corkran, an architect and engineer, deeded three tracts to Henlopen Acres, Inc., a corporation he remained a principal in, to develop a resort residential community. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
How did Henlopen Acres get its name?
The town's 2025 comprehensive plan says Colonel Wilbur Corkran named the development after the Henlopen Lighthouse, which stood within sight of the property for about 200 years. The Delaware Public Archives says W.S. Corkran deeded the land to Henlopen Acres, Inc. in 1930, and the town was incorporated in 1970. Source: henlopenacres.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov.
How was Henlopen Acres designed?
The plan had wide streets following the land's contours, landscaped parks, bridle paths and a yacht club. Lots were generally 150 by 170 feet, with sizes varied to save trees and keep views. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
What is Henlopen Acres known for?
The Delaware Public Archives calls it Delaware's smallest town, at 0.3 square miles with 216 parcels. It was incorporated once, in 1970. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
What historic sites are in Henlopen Acres?
The Peter Marsh House at 10 Dodd's Lane has a National Park Service National Register record dated November 23, 1977. The town's comprehensive plan says the house was built around 1743 and is now part of the Rehoboth Art League campus. Source: npgallery.nps.gov, henlopenacres.delaware.gov.
Events, holidays and occasions
Does Henlopen Acres hold public events?
The town website lists only committee and board meetings, and no public festivals, parades or holiday events. Source: henlopenacres.delaware.gov.
Where are the nearest public events to Henlopen Acres?
Rehoboth Beach is next door: the Sea Witch Festival is in late October, a bandstand tree lighting is in late November, and fireworks are in early July. Source: rehobothbeachde.gov, rehobothbeachde.gov.
Is Return Day a holiday in Henlopen Acres?
Return Day is a Sussex County legal holiday under Delaware Code Title 1, Section 501: the second day after the General Election, after 12:00 noon. It falls on the Thursday after Election Day in even-numbered years, and in 2026 that is November 5. The main celebration is held in Georgetown. Source: delcode.delaware.gov, visitsoutherndelaware.com, dagsboro.delaware.gov.
How these answers are sourced
Every answer on this page cites an official or primary source, such as the town, a state agency, NOAA or the institution itself. Answers SussexCounty.ai could not confirm from a primary source are left out until they can be.